1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Finger and Hand Problems

Mallet Fingers My injury occured mid May, not due to anything strenuous...

Posted , 3 users are following.

Guest
Guest

My injury occured mid May, not due to anything strenuous but simply putting pressure on the end of my little finger. I was told to wear a splint for 8 weeks. After this time the splint was removed and an immediate referral was made for physiotherapy. This has resulted in varying attempts to exercise and also to further immobilise the finger as the condition has not improved.I am now in the situation whereby my finger is still bent and I am being asked to wear my splint at night with exercises during the day. I have been told that I may have to accept the fact that my finger will not straighten fully again. Almost 18 weeks since the injury,rather than the 8 weeks initially quoted,with more time spent in a splint than out.

The first note of caution for anyone receiving this treatment i.e. 8 week splint, is to ensure that the splint is fitted correctly and the finger is held in the correct position. I believe that this was not the case for me. I further believe that a review during this 8 week period would have been useful as the incorrectly fitted splint would have been rectified.

Good luck to anyone with a similar problem.

[i:a85650e1a1]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:a85650e1a1]

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    I, similarly, was told to wear a splint for 8 weeks. It was too large for my finger, but by putting extra padding round it I could kept it perfectly straight and perfectly still. It was tedious, and I often wanted just to give up and take it off, especially since I couldn't play any ball sports in it.

    However, today I had the splint taken off and the results are astounding. My finger is straight, so straight that even the doctor was surprised! It'll be some time before I can bend it properly, but I knew this would be the case.

    I know sometimes there's nothing they can do and the splint comes off without having had the desired effect, so I don't want to raise anybody's hopes too high, but I want to send a message for people wearing mallet splints not to get too disheartened.

    [i:7c8e6d13d2]This message was automatically imported from the original Patient Experience[/i:7c8e6d13d2]

  • john23462
    john23462 Guest

    Posted

    i have Mallet Finger. I was advised by the GP to buy a splint and fit it myself. There was no advice on the size of splint or that it needed to be held in place by tape. Nor was I warned of the danger from removing it and bending my finger even for a moment. I had to find out all of this by myself.
  • terri_88300
    terri_88300 Guest

    Posted

    I just started this process on May 4th.  It is very difficult to say the least.  Who knew something so tiny could cause so much discomfort and annoyance to write or type.  My doctor too, put the splint on the top of my finger bending it up and the skin around my cuticle down to the first knuckle began to deteriorate and hurt horribly.  I finally went back and another doctor turned the splint to be on the underside of my finger and cushioned the top side with guaze and then taped up.  My skin still looks awful but I think it's healing.  You definitely cannot move the finger tip at all.  I have banged this finger more times than I can count just trying to function normally, from typing to driving my car and I always seem to bang it, so I hope it's still healing fine.  Mine was the tendon pull that took a piece of bone with it.  I understand those heal the best as the bone just needs to heal back in place.  I can't wait till this is all over.  It is a wonder our fingers and hands aren't more damaged from all we put them through.  Best of luck to you and healing!

     

Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.